Wake-Up Calls: You Don't Have to Sleepwalk Through Your Life, Love, or Career!

This book was recommended to me in 1995, by a friend who knew that I was struggling with a difficult marriage and a business that was going nowhere. "Read this!" he said, "it will change your life." So, having little to lose, I bought the book and read it. "Wake-up Calls" perhaps didn't change my LIFE, but it certainly gave me some things to think about. The fundamental idea in this book is that many of us fall into a pattern of "sleepwalking" through our lives, but life also presents us with a large number of so-called "wake-up calls." These can range from major-- divorce, bankruptcy, getting fired-- to relatively minor-- a promotion, an invitation to an important social event. Each wake-up call generally results in us facing a "choice point," and from each choice point, we have the chance to learn and grow. The book is fairly simple and very easy to read, and guides the reader through a step-by-step process of first teaching us to recognize where we may have choice points; then goes on to teach us how to overcome old habits, change direction-- and go on to "stay awake" instead of sleepwalking through life. Almost every chapter is laid out with bullet-point lists, simple exercises to use with your OWN situation; as well as a closing list of "Awareness Checks"-- a list of questions to make readers think about how to apply the current chapter to their own life. The writing is "light" and Allenbaugh uses personal anecdotes to help readers relate "ideas" to "reality."Overall Rating: Highly Recommended (9 bookmarks out of a possible 10) BUT this book is probably best suited to those who are just BEGINNING a journey of self-discovery. It provides some straightforward principles for "getting on with life." Although I have certainly referred back to "Wake-up Calls" from time to time, it is a somewhat basic motivational book, and probably too simplistic for someone who has already spent some time with other self-exploration.

This is an excellent how-to book. Dr. Allenbaugh's principle centered approach is instantly applicable. I've not only had the pleasure of reading the book, but the fortunate opportunity to participate in numerous seminars facilitated by the author. I watched as we (the leaders who were participants)applied the principles and fundamentally changed the culture of our organization. Organizations are run by and through people. Dr. Allenbaugh's approach is all about personal accountability and being "tough on issues and tender on people". Wake-up Calls will teach you a gentle and effective approach to holding yourself and others accountable, whether in your home or your organization. Afterall, according to Dr. Allenbaugh, "we do work the way we do life." As an internal consultant and now as an external consultant, I find the principles in this book invaluable. Get the book, read it and apply it; you and your organization will excel.

This is a great book to really get your mind thinking about life. You have many choices presented daily and this book helps you think about your options and do you want to try something new or keep going in the same direction and repeating the same things you have previously done in your life.

I happened upon the book. It was fate, something I needed to read to help me continue my path to healing and learning. I had read so many books trying to understand, but this book made it to simple to become aware of what I had been doing and to see how I could learn from the experiences. My thanks to Eric. I have bought a book for my daughter and plan on giving one to all my family and friends at Christmas. It has become my bible for living. The only thing that would be better is to participate in a seminar.

I first read this book back in 1994. It helped provide the impetus I needed to be able to make some major life changes. Since then, I have used it from time to time as a reference when I felt I started gliding through life again. I found it to be very easy to read and receive the information. He gives clear examples to back up his suggestions so you'll get his point. He explains the dynamics of several different communication styles without sounding like a textbook. He helps you to see that in every interaction or avoidance of interaction you impact not only yourself but others. You are taught, as you teach others, is a main point of his book. He teaches you how to be a positive force in other's lives by communicating in better way and becoming aware of "your stuff". I would highly recommend his book to anyone looking to work on their "stuff" and are willing to be open to being taught as they teach. He has been an excellent teacher for me and I hope that I can return the favor as he taught me to. Thanks again, Dr. Allenbaugh!